What is a legislators role in injury prevention?
The CDC advocates a public health approach to preventing injuries and violence. Legislators can improve injury prevention efforts by understanding the types of injuries and populations affected in their states, the source of state injury prevention funds, encouraging integration of injury and violence prevention activities into existing programs, enacting laws that reduce injuries and funding comprehensive injury and violence prevention programs. While prevention efforts vary based on the nature of the injury being addressed, responses usually include educational outreach to inform individuals of steps they can take to reduce the risk of injury, as well as community and societal changes to promote positive behaviors and reduce risky behaviors. Regulations that enhance safety can be enacted, such as graduated driver licensing, child restraint requirements, minimum legal drinking age restrictions or building codes that require smoke detectors. Risky behaviors, such as driving without a s
